Free Adventures at the Cape Cod National Seashore in Eastham

The first official weekend of the season, Memorial Day Weekend, was certainly a lot of fun. The Memorial Day Picnic and first ever Scavenger Hunt went really well.

Kevin did a superb job with the ribs and chicken and the brisket was done to perfection. Tried a new German potato salad with bacon and a sweet and sour dressing, which was served warm. The whole 5 pounds was eaten. Erika, one of my friends from Germany, really liked it and asked for the recipe. She said in Germany they never had it warm. Showed her the old family cookbook from 1947. Now she can't wait to make it for their next gathering. We had a corn salad, Navy beans with parsley, scallions and white wine vinegar, sweet potato salad with peanut dressing, lemon vinaigrette pasta salad, watermelon and brownies for desert.

Dinner was followed by the awarding of Scavenger Hunt prizes. The grand prize went to Alan and Karla who earned the most points and gave us ideas for some new questions for the Labor Day Scavenger Hunt. They were pleased with their two-night stay gift certificate at the Inn. Better make your reservations early for Labor Day and get in on all the fun.

The next picnic coming up is Friday, July 3rd. This picnic will be held in conjunction with the fireworks at Rock Harbor. Come and enjoy all the great food and beautiful fireworks. After dinner we walk down to Rock Harbor, and the fireworks are right over head. You feel like you can almost touch them. Those that boom kind of reverberate through ones bones.

While waiting for the Whalewalk Inn summer events, the Cape Cod National Seashore has some programs to get summer rolling. The Seashore has a host of weekly events that are free and informative. Some do require advance reservations, and a couple do have fees (Canoe and Kayak trips).


SUNDAYS

Tour the Three Sisters Lighthouse. Tours are 3:00 PM in May and 4:00 PM in June. Beach fees may apply.

MONDAYS

Walk: Life on the Edge at 3:00 PM for 1 hour for 1 mile. Witness the impact the sea has on the shore and the species that live there. Explore the beach below the bluff and discuss the issues associated with an ever-changing shoreline. Meet at Nauset Light Beach parking area. Beach fees may apply.

Walk: Stormy Nights at 10:00 AM, for 1 hour for 1 mile. Join a ranger for a short walk to discuss some of the more famous ship wrecks that came ashore and discover whether anything remains of the Newcomb Hollow wreck that mysteriously appeared in the winter of 2007/2008. Meet at the Newcomb Hollow Beach parking area, off Ocean View Drive, Wellfleet. Through June 8 only.

Tour the Captain Penniman House and learn about the their home, stories, and travels. Tour starts and 11:00 AM by reservation only. Call 508-255-3421, ext. 0 for details.

TUESDAYS

Call the Salt Pond Visitor Center, 508-255-3421, EXT.0 for hiking information. Explore your Park leaves at varying times and the hike is 3 to 4 miles and takes up to 3 1/2 hours. You will join an experienced ranger and explore the beauty and variety of park destinations, resources and stories. You must be a good walker. Dress for the weather. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray.

Tour the Three Sisters Lighthouses. See Sunday for details.

WEDNESDAYS

Walk: Fort Hill: Window into the Past at 10:00 AM for 1 1/2 hours for 1 1/2 miles. Learn about the history of the various people who inhabited the lands at Fort Hill and surrounding Nauset Marsh. Meet at Hemenway Town Landing (one road north of Fort Hill off Route 6, Eastham. Through June 10 only.

Open House at the Captain Penniman House. Browse through this home. Meet at the Penniman House at Fort Hill, Eastham. Limited Parking.

THURSDAYS

Walk: Shoreline Stroll at 10:00 AM for 1 hour and for 1 mile. Explore the various habitats of forest, marsh, dunes and bay while discovering how they all work together to create a dynamic coastal barrier system known as the Great Island 'gut'. Meet at the Great Island parking area, Wellfleet. Through June 11 only.

Walk: Lore of Nauset Marsh at 3:00 PM for 1 hour for 1 mile. Meet at the terrace at the Salt Pond Visitor Center, Eastham. Learn about this alluring place and what has drawn people to its shores for thousands of years.

FRIDAYS

Canoeing: Gull Pond at 8:00 AM for 2 1/2 hours, 1 to 2 miles. Fee required. Call for reservations at 508-487-1256. Through June 12 only.

Walk: Seal Search at 9:30 AM for 1 1/2 hours for 1 1/2 miles. Hike along the Coast Guard spit and look for seals and learn about the species that might be seen. Meet at Coast Guard Beach parking area, Eastham. Through June 12 only.

Walk: Walking with Authors at 3:00 PM for 1 hour for 1 mile. Experience Cape Cod through the eyes of some of the area's most famous or most beloved authors, such as Beston, Thoreau, Hay and others. See what they saw and hear what they heard. Join local author Dana Eldridge for this stroll at the edge of Nauset Marsh. Meet on the terrace at Salt Pond Visitor Center. Through June 19 only.

SATURDAYS

Canoeing: Salt Pond paddle at 9:30 AM for 1 1/2 hours for 1 to 2 miles. Fee requires. Take a leisurely paddle in the protected waters of Salt Pond and Nauset Marsh in Eastham to explore its beauty. By reservation only. Call 508-255-3421, ext. 0, for information and reservations.

Captain Penniman House Tour. See Monday for more information.

Film: "Portrait of a Coast -- 21st Century" at 1:30 PM for 45 minutes. From the Storm of 1978 to the new Chatham inlet created during the April 2007 nor'easter, Cape Cod's coastline is constantly changing. Join a ranger for a viewing and discussion of this newly-updated film. Takes place at the Salt Pond Visitor Center. No showing on May 30th.

So make your reservations today to enjoy all the beauties of nature that the Cape has to offer. Also be sure to take a whale watching adventure. The naturalists are even surprised at how great the trips have been and how many whales are spotted at each trip. So see you soon at The Whalewalk Inn & Spa (where you can get the best massage ever!)

Music and Entertainment at Chatham First Night on Cape Cod

As promised here are the entertainers and music offerings at Chatham First Night. We still have rooms available to ring in the New Year. Book now for a fantastic New Year's celebration -- from your stay at the Inn to the festivities in Chatham.


Lee Amirault as Angus McPherson Scottish minstrel entertainment . . . humor and music. Eldredge Library, 8 pm

* Belle-Tones Three Andrews Sisters look-alike and sound-alike who will bring back memories as they sing the 40s songs. High School Methodist Church, 5 and 7 pm *

* Luigi Boccia Tenor extraordinaire. Will he be the next Pavarotti? He'll bring a tear to your eye and joy to your heart. You'll remember this performer! Congregational Church, 8 pm

Allan Brooks This talented singer will charm you.St. Christopher's, 7 pm
Liz Burke A tribute concert to Patti Paige, Connie Francis, and Patsy Cline. St. Christopher's, 9 pm

Rebecca Catron A Cape Cod native with a flair for Country-Western music. Elementary Cafeteria, 8 and 9 pm

Jimmy C's Real Deal Band A bluesy band with a definite attitude. With the band's harmonica-playing leader, you'll enjoy this toe-tapping music. Town Hall Meeting Room

Sorel Colina A 13 year old musician who plays the Celtic harp and will perform at the Faculty Art Show on First Night. Creative Arts Center, 7 pm

Cape Cod Bavarian Trio Trumpet, guitar and accordion! Polka with a mix of Czech, Irish, Russian, French, Spanish and German tunes. Foot-tapping fun for world music enthusiasts. St. Martin's Lodge, 7 and 8 pm

Cape Cod Fiddlers Ten of our most talented fiddlers and musicians . . . toe-tapping wonder! Grab a CD and take the music home with you! Methodist Church, 9 and 10 pm

Cape Cod Opera Our wonderful "day before" performers! Celebrate music from the 40's (1840 & 1940) from Broadway, the Opera, and Operettas. Methodist Church, 7:30 pm, Dec. 30

Chatham Drama Guild The Further Adventures of Nick Tickle--Fairy Tale Detective by Steph De Ferie, a local playwright. Directed by Karen McPherson, Chatham Middle School Drama Club. Produced by John F. Padgett. At 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm

Chatham Lightfoots Jump ropers extraordinaire from local Chatham schools. Atrium, 3 pm

Chatham Poetry Poetry Readings at the Eldredge Library, 7 pm

Cirque du Jour Back again by popular demand with all new acts... a must see for all, young and old! High School Gym, 2, 4, 7, and 9 pm

The Clancy Tradition From New York and Chatham . . . Irish music to warm your soul. Jr. High Gym, 7 and 8 pm

Crab Grass Cape Cod's own bluegrass artists! Bass, guitar, mandolin, banjo, and plenty of great vocals! Holy Redeemer Church, 7 and 8 pm

Colum Cille Pipes and Drums to stir the soul. Elementary Gym, 7 pm

Peter D'Elia A talented pianist in his 13th year with First Night Chatham. Chatham's Own Peter D'Elia continues to impress us with his keyboard skills. He will be playing Clementi, Ravel and Chopin. Congregational Church, 5 pm

The Elbows are four friends who got together one summer day to play music for some kids and their families...and they haven’t stopped since! Eldredge Library, 2 and 4 pm.

Shaun England Jazz Group Guitar, clarinet, and vocalist. St. Christopher's 1 and 2 pm.

Dreamers Big Band The classic big band sound . . . Dance, relax and enjoy. Monomoy Hall at Chatham Bars Inn. 8:30 - 11:30 pm.

Thom Dutton Celtic harp and vocals. A New Year's tradition! St. Christopher's, 11 pm
Feelin' Good Barbershop harmony with all the old familiar favorites. St. Martin's Lodge, 9 pm

Freddie and the Maybellines The beat goes on! Everyones favorite rock-and-roll band. Always a must!Community Center Gym, 8:30 - 11:30 pm

Brian Gillie Fantastic rock and roll music, song, and fun for the whole family. Junior High School Gym, 10 and 11 pm

Rick Goldin Music and puppets for children (and their parents!) Community Center Meeting Room, 4 and 5 pm

* Elena Griffin Elena does belly dancing and invites the audience to come forward and give it a try. Great exercise and great fun! Jr. High Gym, 9 pm

Jugglers Trevor Pearson . . . fanciful fun. Enjoyable for all. Performing at the Atrium at 4 pm.

Chris Henshaw Irish music. A one-man band to tickle your fancy.St. Martin's Lodge, 10pm

Scott Jameson Magic with a flair! Community Center Meeting Room, 3 pm

Greg Johnson Plays acoustic guitar -- a Chatham favorite! St. Christopher's Church, 5 pm

Keith Michael Johnson The Bubble Guy -- silly fun for kids. Elementary School Gym, 3 and 4 pm

Jumpin' Juba Steve Hurl on guitar and vocals, and Bruce Ward on piano, play blues mixed with many flavors of roots music, especially from New Orleans and Louisiana. Elementary School Gym, 8 and 9 pm

Joan Kirchner Vocalist with a program of 1940s songs. Methodist Church, 11 pm

* Rick Larrimore Presenting a tribute to Rod Stewart. Rick looks like him, dresses like him, acts like him and has that distinctive Rod Stewart wonderful sound. You're in for a treat! High School Auditorium, 6, 8, and 10 pm

* Lesli Loosli A soprano with a lovely and lilting voice. A gal who can definitely hit the high notes! Congregational Church, 11 pm

Anoush Longerstaey An accomplished 13--year-old pianist. Methodist Church, 4 pm

* Ross Mac Vicar Wood carving with a chainsaw . . . how very interesting! In the town parking lot to be enjoyed by all. 1:30 - 4:30 pm

Marcus the Magician Super magic for the young and the young at heart. Monomoy Hall, 5 pm

* MGM Trio A delightful group new to First Night who will definitely have you in a nostalgic mood. Elementary School Gym at 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm

Joe Marchio Congregational Church organist, Joe brings new excitement and vibrant sounds to the beautiful organ. Congregational Church, 10 pm

Monomoy Six Dixieland jazz to keep you dancing 'til 11 pm in the Atrium. 7 - 11 pm

* Jodi & Richard Mulcahy Two generations of family who do guitar and vocals with a flair. Holy Redeemer Church, 9 pm

John Murelle A versatile baritone singing the songs of Irving Berlin. Congregational Church, 3 pm

* Noteables Chris Morris takes the baton to this amazing chorus that will thrill and excite you with their incredible voices. Congregational Church, 7 pm

Lilly and Paul O'Brien Kids, try your vocal skills with Paul's help at some karaoke at Monomoy Hall, Chatham Bars Inn. 2, 3, and 4 pm

Oyez! Renaissance music performed with gorgeous period instruments. A rare musical treat. UU Meeting House, 9 pm

Pans in Paradise Steel Band trio featuring Bruce Guyon, Seth Martin, and Debby Martin with a Caribbean sound. Don't worry, be happy! Atrium, 2 pm

* Andrew Prete Acoustic guitar and vocals to give a new meaning to the blues, soft rock and a bit of pop. St. Christopher's, 10 pm

John Randall's Saltwater Jazz These three musicians will help you greet the new year in style with wonderful ukulele, drums, and bass. UU Meeting House, 10 and 11 pm

Dave Rauscher -- Everyones favorite classical guitarist! Another First Night Chatham faithful . . . and are we glad. St. Christopher's, 8 pm

Reunion Band A bluegrass band with lots of fun, toe tapping sounds to keep you happy. Community Center Meeting Room, 10 and 11 pm

The Rip It Ups Formerly Skeeter and the Buzztones, pop/rock with four guitars, a coronet, and vocalist. Community Center Meeting Room, 8 and 9 pm

* Sound Waves Eight lively ladies offering their songs in the a cappella tradition. Community Center Meeting Room, 7 pm

* Three Cats and a Dog An acoustic bluegrass/Celtic/swing/folk/pop band. Elementary Gym, 5 pm

Toe Jam Puppet Band Interactive high energy musical treat guaranteed to make the whole family wiggle and giggle. Community Center Meeting Room, 12:30 and 2 pm

Ashley Wade and Morris Ashley Wade, mezzo soprano, and Chris Morris at the piano. Opera to Broadway, spirituals to standards . . . a musical tour de force. Congregational Church, 9 pm

Martha Whatley and Peter Earle Romantic duets by two talented Cape Cod entertainers . . . pleasing audiences for many years. Methodist Church, 8 pm

Kids in the Community Lullaby of Broadway . . . John Murelle's students' voices go to the Great White Way. Congregational Church, 4 pm

Bell Ringing Pull the rope that rings the bell. St. Christopher's, 4 pm

After your fun day in Chatham and the fireworks, enjoy your New Year's champagne and treats in your room as you bring in the New Year at the Whalewalk Inn & Spa.

Remember the next day is our fillet Mignon brunch, salmon with cream cheese on bagels with a dollop of sour cream and caviar. Plus many sides to make for a great brunch.

Ring in the New Year with First Night, Chatham, Cape Cod

Ring in the New Year! Plan early to ring in 2009 at the Whalewalk Inn & Spa. Give the perfect holiday gift to yourself or someone close to you. You can enjoy the festivities, the food, and still continue your exercise program in the Spa. If you are interested in spa treatments, time and space are limited. Those reservations must be made one month in advance.

Join us for a fun and food filled weekend – the last “hurrah” before those resolutions for 2009 become a reality and before the cruise diets begin. Packages include New Year’s Eve hors d’oeuvre party—5:30 to 7:30 PM, First Night in Chatham buttons (a circus, musicians, presentations by local artists, theater, opera, entertainment, a bonfire, a noise parade, and a fireworks finale!). Return to the Inn for a Midnight surprise, and at 11:00 the following day, a New Year’s Day brunch with filet mignon, Mimosa or Bloody Mary, smoked salmon, caviar and more. Receive a departing gift from Select Registry to help with your other 2009 travel plans.

Book three nights (December 29th, 30th, and 31st) and packages start at $670 depending on the amenities in the room (size of bed, fireplace, whirlpool tub, kitchenette, etc.) Or,
book two nights (December 30th and 31st) and packages start at $480 depending, again, on the amenities in the room.

All Spa treatments must be booked one month in advance. There will be no spa treatments after 2:00PM Wednesday, New Year’s Eve. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Tax and gratuity are not included in the package price.

New Year's Eve 2008 on Cape Cod -- Ring in the New Year 2009 -- Chatham First Night

Now with Thanksgiving behind us, Christmas shopping looming before you, and you are still looking for the perfect gift for that someone special. Look no further. Give your favorite someone a New Year's celebration at the Whalewalk Inn & Spa. Check our Special's Page for details for our New Year's Package. The package also includes your First Night button. Listed are many of the activities that you can enjoy on New Year's Eve and before. Make your reservations today by calling 508-255-0617. OH! and don't forget that Gift Certificates make a nice gift, too -- especially if you cannot travel for New Year's.


Celebrate the Forties!

Special Happenings for 2008 First Night Chatham


Special Luncheon to Honor Veterans of WW II

Monday, December 29, Noon to 3:00 p.m. VFW Hall by Invitation Only
The iconic photo at left symbolizes one of the happiest days of the 1940s - the end of World War II and the outbreak of peace. The photo was taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt for Life Magazine in Times Square on Aug. 14, 1945, during the celebration to mark V-J Day, the end of the war. First Night Chatham recognizes the contribution of the men and women who served their country so well during this critical period.

This special luncheon will be held to honor all of our local residents who served in the armed forces during the 1940s. Men and women left their homes and families for domestic and foreign places to support of the war effort and safeguard our freedom. Their work and sacrifice brought us peace for many years. We join with others in appreciation. The First Night committee continues to seek out the names of our honored veterans who served during this time. If you know of someone who has not yet been contacted, please email us at veterans@firstnightchatham.com!

Countdown Cod and Fireworks

Chatham's answer to Times Square at New Year's Eve is Countdown Cod*. Designed and built by First Night Chatham's Richard Clifford, the sculpture is a true work of art and a codfish with a personality. The cod will be hoisted 60 feet above the Oyster Pond parking lot on a crane at about 11:45 pm. Five minutes later, the cod will be illuminated by 20 halogen lights planted in its body. And at 11:59 pm on the dot, Countdown Cod will be lowered to the ground at the precise speed of one foot per second. When the cod completes its descent at midnight, the fireworks display will commence over Oyster Pond to welcome in the New Year. You have to see this!

Cape Cod Opera
The Cape Cod Opera will perform to celebrate Chatham in the Forties on Tuesday, December 30 at 7:30 pm at the Methodist Church. This performance requires a First Night Chatham button. The program will include selections from opera, operetta, Gilbert and Sullivan, and musical comedy.

The Town Photo and Lighthouse Tour

The tradition of the Town Photo is that all who show up at the Chatham Lighthouse on Noon of New Year's Eve will be included. Prints are available for purchase at CVS on Main Street.

At the same time and in the same place, the Coast Guard Auxiliary will conduct tours of the Chatham Lighthouse from Noon to 2:00 pm. You will enjoy the view from the top!

Carnival Caper Road Race

A costumed road race sponsored by the Chatham Squire. Register outside the Squire from 2:00 pm ($10). Costume judging at 2:30 pm. Race at 3:00 pm. T-shirts and beef stew served at the Squire after the race!

Ice Carving

Chip Koser comes to Chatham to demonstrate the fascinating art of ice carving. He will carve in the parking lot of Town Hall and no button is required.

Chain Saw Sculpture

New this year. Ross MacVicar shows the First Night Chatham crowd how a chain saw and a great imagination, coupled with skill, and a keen sense of safety, can turn an ordinary tree into a fabulous creation at the parking lot of Town Hall.


Horse and Wagon Rides

Grab a ride on Main Street at Town Hall beginning at 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Ride through town the old fashioned way, slowly, taking in all the sights, sounds, and beauty of Chatham in winter.


No Button Required Events at the Atrium

Hear the soothing and happy sounds of the Pans in Paradise Steel Drums, watch the amazing Chatham Lightfoots jumping rope team, marvel at the Harwich Junior Theater jugglers, and enjoy every one's long time favorite dixieland band, The Monomoy 6 .

Noise Parade and Bonfire

The Noise Parade is a major component of the First Night tradition. Children and adults parade through town wearing costumes and sounding the loudest noisemakers possible. Assemble at 6:30 pm at the Methodist Church on Main Street, amble around the rotary to Stage Harbor Road, and complete the route to the Oyster Pond beach. Local merchants are likely to have a full stock of lightsticks, hats, and noisemakers. At the Oyster Pond, a bonfire and sing along await the paraders to celebrate a fitting end to scheduled kid's events at First Night Chatham.

Cirque du Jour

A very entertaining circus that is always enjoyed by adults as well as children of any age! The Cirque du Jour features clowns, animals, aerialists, jugglers, and amazing feats that you will not believe. In the afternoon and evening at Chatham High School.

This is just the beginning of the festivities. Will let you know what music performances are available for your listening pleasure at a later date.

Ring in the New Year 2009 on Cape Cod

Plan early to ring in 2009 at the Whalewalk Inn & Spa. Give the perfect holiday gift to yourself or someone close to you. You can enjoy the festivities, the food, and still continue your exercise program in the Spa. If you are interested in spa treatments, time and space are limited. Those reservations must be made one month in advance. Join us for a fun and food filled weekend – the last “hurrah” before those resolutions for 2009 become a reality and before the cruise diets begin.

Packages include New Year’s Eve hors d’oeuvre party—5:30 to 7:30 PM, First Night in Chatham buttons (a circus, musicians, presentations by local artists, theater, opera, entertainment, a bonfire, a noise parade, and a fireworks finale!). Return to the Inn for a Midnight surprise, and at 11:00 the following day, a New Year’s Day brunch with filet mignon, Mimosa or Bloody Mary, smoked salmon, caviar and more. Receive a departing gift from Select Registry to help with your other 2009 travel plans. Book three nights (December 29th, 30th, and 31st) and packages start at $670 depending on the amenities in the room (size of bed, fireplace, whirlpool tub, kitchenette, etc.) Book two nights (December 30th and 31st) and packages start at $480 depending, again, on the amenities in the room.

All Spa treatments must be booked one month in advance. There will be no spa treatments after 2:00PM Wednesday, New Year’s Eve. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Tax and gratuity are not included in the package price.

Columbus Day Weekend and Yarmouth Festival on Cape Cod

Columbus Day is just around the corner. Yarmouth is celebrating their 30th Anniversary of the Yarmouth Seaside Festival. So get on board for a fun-filled weekend. The festival boasts a craft fair of more than 125 crafters from all over the country. There is a giant parade, continual musical entertainment, kayak and canoe race, 5K road race, greased pole contests, pie eating contests, fireworks display -- to name a few. The event is free for all to enjoy.

You can get a full schedule of events at yarmouthseasidefestival.com. We have two rooms available at this time. Our Carriage House 1 at $270 per night and our superbly luxurious Carriage House 5 at $365 per night. Carriage House 1 has a queen bed, private balcony, fireplace, sitting area, small frig and bathroom with a stall shower. Carriage House 5 is super romantic with a king bed, large balcony overlooking the wetlands, a fireplace, whirlpool tub for two, wet bar and frig, sitting area and more. All of our rooms have TV/VCR,DVD, CD players, and WIFI. So if you do need to bring your computer, you have the means to use it.